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Mammamel
08-12-2008, 04:57 PM
I like old stuff.
One of my favorite old things was my Raggedy Ann doll. I got my Ann and Andy in about 1971. I was in love with Ann, but poor Andy! I had unresolved male anger issues I think. That poor boy was beaten and stomped on, swung by his arm until it came off... I was mean to that poor doll.

When i left Missouri in 1983 I had to leave my stuff behind. I stored it in my guardian's barn. A few months later I was informed my guardian's son and his cousins had broken in and stolen my stuff.

Now I didn't lose just my Raggedies, I lost the 1800's german doll my great grandmother had brought over from Germany. This doll had a metal head, painted, a cloth body and chalkware arms and legs. She was the size of a real baby. She was also so rare that a doll expert who examined her (i was looking to have the arms fixed, they... melted when my guardian's basement flooded, I had no clue the doll was even there!) said she had never seen anything like her, even in her library full of doll books. She had 2 tiny teeth. I loved that doll.
I also had a 1930s doll that i got at an antique fair. My sweet 16 Barbie (which a friend replaced for me several years ago) and a lot of Dawn dolls, in original clothes even.

There were other things too, a set of 1976 dishes made in the style of the depression. LPs a whole set of Dolly Parton ones, some first releases. And many other things.

The few things I have always wanted to replace, the Barbie, the Dawn dolls, my grand mothers doll (not likely!) and the Raggedies have never been far from my mind.

Well last week I found a set of Raggedies on ebay and it unlocked a door I had long closed. I discovered I am a Raggedy nut. I LOVE the raggedies. Not just Ann and Andy but rag dolls in general too.

Anyway i found a set on ebay and did something I have never done before. I placed a bid, a high bid to me. I normally spend pay checks much wiser than this. My Beloved said, bid what it is worth to you. How can you do that when you have dreamed of owning something for years??? Well I decided to try and i won! There were several Ann things I bid on and I have won most of them. None are first editions none will wind up being worth thousands to any one. They are how ever worth something to me. (no i did not spend my whole check on Raggedy stuff, just a small bit)

Then i began to look for Raggedy Ann backgrounds and a screen saver. I found a really sweet pic on Google, I love google, and saved it then made it my background. No luck on the screen saver though.

Yesterday my raggedies arrived and they brought back so many memories. I think my originals were the next size up, but these cuddle just fine and once their clothes are rewashed and they are spruced up a touch, they will sit with pride waiting for me to leave so they can join my ty buddy dog and Ella, the Raggedy that GrammyGoo made just for me, in all new adventures. I keep finding Ella on the couch not the back, as if she jumps down but can not get back up! The dog, Wrinkles, i keep finding belly up, as if he gets down to have his tummy rubbed.

Today in the mail i got a 6 inch version, she is just toooo cute and will sit and play with the rest of them.

Aaa the memories.

riverwalk
08-12-2008, 06:35 PM
How nice memories are so precious things may disappear by what ever means but they cant take our memories that is wonderful Mel i love teddy bears and have so many i don't have anything of mine when i was a child only a pair of tiny leather gloves my Mom had bought me I wore when i was a month old all my teddies and dolls are gone but the memories are still there I am happy for you.

GrammyGoo
08-12-2008, 07:50 PM
I am so happy you "indulged" yourself and got something that stirs up warm memories for you dear.

And it warms my heart to know that "Ella" has such a place of honor in your home. I had a lot of fun making her for you Mel.
Hugs, GG

busymommy
08-12-2008, 07:55 PM
I am so glad you won them, and they are bringing you joy.

I have been trying to get a "Mrs.Beasley" doll for years from Ebay but they are never in my price range.

Mammamel
08-12-2008, 08:08 PM
Kelly, I was shocked i won these, on average htey hit $60 or so for a set! These were 1/2 that!

mom5
08-12-2008, 08:13 PM
My dd collects Ragedy Ann and she loves them. I am glad you won them and the happiness and memories they hold for you.

Ginger
08-12-2008, 10:13 PM
that is awesome Mel

ThursdaysChild
08-13-2008, 03:59 AM
I made a big pair of Raggedy Ann and Andy for my niece when she was a baby for her first Christmas. Just the panels you get at Wal-Mart and sew up. I thought they'd be easy. Yeah, right! I'd never done gathers. I was finishing them up Christmas morning when everyone showed up for dinner. LOL I hope they bring her as much happiness as yours did for you.

BTW, I understand people taking things from you they have no right to. The previous people to housesit for us in the States decided to take our cat! {sigh}

Mammamel
08-13-2008, 07:52 AM
Pics of my rag dolls (so far, I am missing one that V made for me, she is in my bedroom with my MacKenzie doll)

http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c152/MammaMel/th_Picture007.jpg
the whole gang on the couch in my office

http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c152/MammaMel/th_Picture009.jpg

My darling Ella

http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c152/MammaMel/th_Picture010.jpg

my new old Raggedies, with part of Wrinkles (I put Wrinkles iwth Andy cuz every boy needs a dog!)

grammea
08-13-2008, 08:41 AM
Mel,
I am sooo happy for you!!!!
I know the feeling well.
I found a Tammy doll on e-bay and I love her so.
Like yours she will probably never be worth a fortune,but she sure brings me joy and great memories.
Hugs and God bless,
Helen(grammea)